DUSK'S POV.
Why had I only realized it so late? Why hadn't I accepted him? Why had I been so bent on holding grudges? Why had I only seen his faults and wrongs? He had made it up to me. He had done the best he could, saving my life so many times.
I looked at him as he lay on the bed, slowly dying. It couldn't be the end for him; there had to be a cure for every poison, a cure for him. A new coronation? Who were they going to crown? With determination to save Lucius, I left the room and met them, still standing outside.
"What's the name of the poison?" I asked them, and they looked at each other.
"A native poison called Zalli," they said. I bit my lips and made to leave.
Seline tried to follow me, but I stopped her.
"I think... I think I need to be alone for now. I'm fine. I'll get back to you," I said to her, seeing the deep sadness in her eyes.
I ran to the library and threw the books down, searching for those on poisons and antidotes. Whenever I found a book related to poison, I put it aside. When I was done, I started to search. Hours met me there as I searched for antidotes. It was indeed a rare poison, one I had only seen mentioned in two of the countless books I had packed.
Then I remembered Matilda. She had a secret library with ancient books. Surely there might be a book that mentioned the poison. I began to write a letter, keeping it simple and non-suspicious, knowing it would be read once they saw it was from me to Matilda.
*Matilda, how have you been? I hope you're well. Our last meeting was blissful, but there was something I couldn't tell you. Hopefully, next time we meet, I can.*
After reviewing it repeatedly to ensure it revealed none of my intentions, I had the Royal scholars convert it into Braille before sending it off. Then, I went to wait at the spot where we had met. It was nighttime when I saw her approaching.
"What was it about?" She asked softly, coming to me, and I began to cry. I told her everything that had happened, and she sympathized with me.
"Zalli. I've heard of it. A terrible poison, and the antidote is rarely found. But, I guess you're willing to search for that antidote?" She said, and I nodded.
"You'll find it in Belok, a Kingdom known for its ancestors as Botanists. Their security is tight. They might be the only people in the world with the cure for Zalli." She said, and I sat up properly.
"I'll go. Wherever it is, I'm willing to go," I said, and she sighed.
"Your Kingdom should have a map. As for the antidote, it's a flower he will need to chew. They are black, making them easy to spot. So, I'm afraid you might have to enter the Palace Grounds, as that's where they'll be kept." She said, and I thanked her.
After Matilda left, I searched the Palace for a map. It wasn't too far, but on the map, it was marked as an enemy Kingdom. If I stole the flower and was caught, it would mean war for my Kingdom. Still, I had to risk it. I went to see Lucius once more and met with the elders.
"We cannot give the Kingdom to Ethan Marrok. He may be Alpha Lucius' Beta, but he's a traitor, and our Alpha wouldn't want that!"
"Is he really going to die? Just like that?"
"Didn't you hear the physicians? What's so hard to understand about that? As much as we'd mourn for our Young Alpha, who protected the Kingdom best as he could in his short time, we also need a new leader, for this Kingdom cannot remain without an Alpha." Elder James said.
"If news were to get out, our Kingdom would be instantly attacked. We already have so many enemies due to our fame." Elder Reece said, and they all fell into deep thought.
"Is there really no way to save the Alpha? How can he just die like that?"
"The best thing is to ask him directly when he wakes. He'll decide who to hand the Kingdom to, and that's final."
"He'll be asleep most of the time because when he's awake, his body will try to fight the poison. The more he fights, the faster the poison will kill him." The Physician said, and there was a heavy silence.
Seline came to me. "Are you alright? Why am I even asking this? I just don't know what to say," she said, and I looked at her.
"You've been a good friend, Seline. Even if you stay silent, I know you mean the best for me," I said, and she nodded.
"What are we going to do, Dusk?" She asked, bursting into tears, and I hugged her.
~
Later in the middle of the night, I packed the few things I'd need for the journey on the road. After stealing a horse, I tied him outside at the back of the Palace and went to see Lucius one last time before I left.
But there was a problem: I could jump over the wall, but the horse couldn't. Just then, Dalia came with a bunch of keys and opened the gates. I looked at her, wondering what she was doing, but she went back in, brought a horse with her, and then urged my horse to go out.
"What are you doing?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm going with you on a suicide mission."